Origional n scale wheels from Rapido trains

[Paradise275]

When Rapido Trains first came out with N scale passenger coaches, I purchased a number of them in all available road numbers. That was a long time ago, and I'm only now getting to run them. The couplers were an original problem and they sent me replacements of Micro Trains 1015-1's.
Now that I am running them, I notice that some of the wheel sets are out of gauge. They are very difficult to spread by hand.
Is there a tool you can use to re-gauge the wheels?

Rick

[bbussey]

A gear-puller from NWSL would work.

[Paradise275]

Does it work for N scale as well as HO?

[peteski]

Does it work for N scale as well as HO?

I assume this is to widen the gauge.

The NWSL puller is IMO a bit on a bulky size.  I would use something more compact, like https://www.ebay.com/itm/174561215145 . I own that one,and few other ones, and they all work well on N scale wheels or motors.

If widening wheelsets with pointy axles, I recommend placing a piece of softer metal (like aluminum or brass) between the end of the ram and the axle point, to protect the point from being flattened.

[Paradise275]

Hi Pete. Yes it's to spread the wheels a little. They are just on the fringe of being in gauge and don't want to move.
How does the one you posted work? Is there something to hold one wheel down while you pull up on he other?

Rick

[peteski]

Hi Pete. Yes it's to spread the wheels a little. They are just on the fringe of being in gauge and don't want to move.
How does the one you posted work? Is there something to hold one wheel down while you pull up on he other?

Rick

You don't spread the wheels out. What you do is to place the wheel in the puller, then use the ram to push the axle end inward. That will widen the gauge. That is why I recommend placing a piece of softer metal between the end of the ram and the pointy end of the axle.



This is what I'm describing (the gear puller is a bit different, and the axle is not pointy, but that is the general idea).

[Simon D.]

I always find back to back gauges, such as this one, available in the UK, do the job very well.  Wheels can be pressed in to re-gauge.
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https://www.nbrasslocos.co.uk/fitall.html#GAUGE

[peteski]

I always find back to back gauges, such as this one, available in the UK, do the job very well.  Wheels can be pressed in to re-gauge.

That works if the wheel's profile (including the wheel-back, and the flange thickness) is made to (NMRA?) specifications.  But many manufacturers make wheels that are not to specs.  The flange can be thinner or thicker than the specs.  Best way to gauge the wheels is to measure the gauge on the outside of the flange, where it meets the tread (like NMRA or Micro_trains gauges do).

[Paradise275]

Thanks Pete.
I'll look for one of those tools.
Rick

[mmagliaro]

I always find back to back gauges, such as this one, available in the UK, do the job very well.  Wheels can be pressed in to re-gauge.
(Attachment Link)


https://www.nbrasslocos.co.uk/fitall.html#GAUGE

Never mind that!  I had no idea that nbrasslocos existed!  And all those N Scale steam loco detail and construction parts: valve gear, rods, pop offs, domes, gears, spoked wheels... holy cow.    I must have missed THAT memo!

[Simon D.]

Max


Nick who runs nbrass is a lovely man and provides an excellent service. 

[up1950s]

Max


Nick who runs nbrass is a lovely man and provides an excellent service.

LOVELY ?